It’s natural and normal to feel inadequate. But can any good come from it? Yes, because it can be an opportunity for spiritual growth. Dr. Stanley explains that when our weaknesses drive us to God, He fills up what is lacking—and our faith is strengthened as we experience His awesome power in our lives.
Sermon Outline
Have you ever counted your weaknesses as blessings? It can be frustrating to come up short, but there’s a flip side. In Dr. Stanley’s message today, he discusses how to make the best of our limitations.
Key Passage: 2 Corinthians 3:1-5
Supporting Passages: Psalm 46:1; Psalm 46:10; John 14:1; Ephesians 1:13; Philippians 4:13
When you feel incapable, do you want to give up and walk away—or perhaps try to convince yourself that you can handle it? There’s another alternative.
►“Is there a good side to feeling inadequate? Yes.”
The apostle Paul …
Didn’t always feel adequate, even when he knew Jesus was with him (2 Cor. 3:1-5).
Had his worth questioned by others (v. 1).
Attributed the fruit of the gospel to Christ, not to his own power (vv. 2-3).
Knew he had adequacy from God alone (v. 5).
When we, like Paul, respond correctly, inadequacy …
Drives us to God.
Helps us depend on Him.
Builds our relationship with Him.
Strengthens our faith.
Changes our perspective.
Relieves us from trying to do the will of God in our own strength (Phil. 4:13).
Forces us to rely on the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:13).
Allows God to use us to our full potential.
Enables us to live in contentment and quietness of spirit.
► “God promises His presence and power to accomplish everything He calls us to do.”
We have a choice to make when we feel inadequate. We can say …
I can’t do it; I don’t feel gifted. This incorrect response leads to despair.
God, I feel inadequate without Your help. I’m trusting You to meet my need. This correct response leads to a stronger relationship.
The Holy Spirit …
Was promised by Jesus to be with us and in us.
Was sent to the disciples at Pentecost.
Provides the strength and power out of which we operate.
Is absolutely necessary in order for us to accomplish what Jesus calls us to do.
Holy inadequacy is …
A reverent awareness that we are always dependent on the Lord and should actively trust Him to provide what we need in every situation.
► “I may not have the best to offer, but here I am, God. I’m going to trust You.”
When we know Jesus is our adequacy …
We don’t have to struggle (Ps. 46:1).
We experience less conflict and striving (v. 10).
Our contentment and joy increase.
We spend time in communion with God instead of worrying.
After Watching
Paul writes that in Jesus, “all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete” (Col. 2:9-10, emphasis added). In moments when you feel inadequate, try reciting this verse. You may need time to accept its truth, but in your Savior, you already have everything you need.
In a culture that prizes self-sufficiency, the idea of “holy inadequacy” likely seems absurd. Spend some time in the next few days contemplating this truth, perhaps by making a list of all the things you rely on God for each day.
